A new beginning

Birthday girl

Nessie's POV

I woke up to the smell of fresh pancakes and coffee. My stomach grumbled, and I opened my eyes, and there was Jake in the door, with a tray of food in his hands and a sweet smile on his face.

Happy birthday. - his husky voice woke up a different kind of hunger in me. Breakfast in bed? - I smiled as I sat up. - You know how to treat a girl.

He gave me the tray.

Thank you. - I gave him a smile, but then I looked around the room. - Where is my sister? She left with Seth an hour ago. - I checked my phone while he answered, it was almost 11 AM. I never sleep this long. - I frowned. - And I usually sleep very lightly, I can believe she left the room without me noticing it. She is okay and safe. - Jake reassured me. - And you deserve a rest, you work so hard.

I took a sip from my coffee and wonder why I feel so safe and happy here, that I can sleep so soundly. Jake pulls out the curtains, and sits back at the end of my bed. He lays back and propped himself up on his arm. That arm, gosh. I remembered last night, after our swim, when I almost climbed that beautiful body. But we came back to Seth and Izzy, ordered pizza and had a game night. Just the four of us. Jake found a bunch of old board games, and some good wine and we played until midnight. But his hands were always so close to me. A small touch on my back, on my thigh, on my face. A hug, a caress, or just a lingering presence. Always so close. Exciting and reassuring at the same time.

I took a bite from my pancakes and tried to ignore his arms. Not a good topic to ponder. But the pancakes were so good that I actually let out a moan because of them. He grinned at me.

Glad you like it. You make me want to move here. - I moaned on the second bite as well. Maybe that's the plan. - he said it playfully, but there was something so serious in his eyes that I decided to change the topic. And what's the plan for today? I have a surprise for you around four in the afternoon, but until then, whatever you want.

Whatever I want? That is a dangerous thing to ask. Before I have time to control my thoughts, my eyes sweep through his dark messy hair, his high cheekbones, which are sporting a little stubble now. He would look great with a beard. My eyes travel down on his muscular arms, one of which is propped on my bed, while he half lays down on his side. The arms that held me, and kept me warm yesterday. I want to go back to that cave, and kiss him. And probably do more.

But I can't admit this. I avert my eyes from his masterpiece of a body, but when I look into his eyes, I know he can read me. And his eyes are a shade darker with desire. I let out a shaky exhale and then I concentrate on my food again. For a few seconds, neither of us talks. Then my traitorous eyes go back to his huge arms. He only has one tattoo, which is the symbol of his tribe.

Have you ever thought about having more tattoos? - I ask randomly, because I really need to talk about something. Maybe I should ignore the topic of his body though. Yeah, but I always decide not to. I like this one, it's meaningful and it's a good reminder of where I belong. Everything else would seem...less meaningful. Hmm. - my reaction is very intellectual. I finish my food and put the tray to the ground. The blanket falls off a little, and it shows off my thighs. I am only wearing a huge t-shirt with underwear, which barely covers me. But his eyes are stuck on the wolf tattoo on my right thigh. It's the form of a wolf, partially filled with motifies from our tribe. Its beautiful. - he says, and his voice is so husky and rough that a shiver runs down my spine because of it. Thank you. - I smile at him, and disregard the blanket entirely. - This was my first tattoo. I love it, it will always remind me of the first home I ever had and the people who gave that to me. And the others? - he asks and leans forward. We are really close now. I smile and pull my hair away from my neck to show him the tiny music note under my right earlobe. This shows how much music means to me. - I pull my shirt down a little, so he sees the bird under my collarbone. - This is to remind me of my freedom and my endurance.